The presence of anti-nuclear antibodies alone is associated with changes in B cell activation and T follicular helper cells similar to those in systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) relies on the presence of hallmark anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), many of which can be detected years before clinical manifestations. However, ANAs are also seen in healthy individuals, most of whom will not develop SARD. Here, we examined a unique cohort of asymptomatic ANA⁺ individuals to determine whether they share any of the cellular immunologic features seen in SARD.

Methods

Healthy ANA^- controls and ANA⁺ (ANA ≥1:160 by immunofluorescence) participants with no SARD criteria, with at least one criterion (undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD)), or meeting SARD classification criteria were recruited. Peripheral blood cellular immunological changes were assess

SUBMITTER: Baglaenko Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6263058 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature